Chinese Fire Belly Newt

The Chinese fire-bellied newt is a small black newt measuring 5.6–10.2cm, with conspicuous bright-orange warning coloration underneath. Compared with the similar Japanese fire-bellied newt, it generally has smoother skin, a rounder tail and less prominent parotoid glands. It is native to east-central China, where it occupies shallow, densely vegetated ponds and abandoned paddies in subtropical forest landscapes. (Wikipedia, general species account)

Breeding takes place from March to July, peaking in April and May. Eggs are deposited on aquatic plants in ponds, ditches, wells and flooded fields, and generally hatch after 13–24 days at reported water temperatures of 15–23°C. The species hibernates, and research has documented seasonal changes in liver pigmentation associated with the active and hibernation periods. Its skin releases defensive toxins dominated by tetrodotoxins. (Wikipedia, general species account)